AUDITORY INTEGRATION TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM

Auditory integration training (AIT) was introduced into the United Sta tes in 1991 to ameliorate hypersensitive hearing in persons with autis m and other cognitive and behavior disorders. Hypersensitive hearing i s a problem that may affect up to 40% of persons with autism. Often re ferred to as hyperacusis, this condition causes pain or discomfort whe n an individual is confronted with certain noises at particular freque ncies. Since the introduction of AIT into the U.S., stories of treatme nt successes have received substantial media attention, resulting in i ncreased parent and professional interest, and in an increased demand for services. This paper presents and overview of AIT as a treatment f or hyperacusis in autism, including a review of relevant research, des criptions of the treatment procedure and technology involved, and cons ideration of current controversies surrounding AIT.